ESL Grammar: IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUNS

This ESL grammar lesson introduces irregular plural nouns and the plural forms of several of these irregular nouns. There is no general rule for these nouns, so students must memorize the plural forms of these nouns. Students then practice writing the plural form of various irregular nouns.

Understanding irregular plural nouns is a crucial aspect of mastering English grammar. Unlike regular nouns, which simply add -s or -es to form plurals, irregular plural nouns change in more unpredictable ways. This lesson is designed to help ESL students grasp these exceptions through clear explanations and practical exercises. Whether you’re teaching online or in person, this comprehensive guide will support your students in mastering irregular plural nouns.

ESL Grammar: What Are Irregular Plural Nouns?

Irregular plural nouns do not follow the standard rules for forming plurals. Instead of adding -s or -es, these nouns undergo various changes or remain the same. Learning these irregular forms is essential for proper communication in English.

ESL Grammar: Common Irregular Plural Nouns

1. Nouns That Change Vowels:
   • Some nouns change their vowels to form the plural.
     • Examples:
       • “man” becomes “men”
       • “woman” becomes “women”
       • “foot” becomes “feet”
       • “tooth” becomes “teeth”
       • “goose” becomes “geese”
2. Nouns That Remain the Same:
   • Some nouns have the same form in both singular and plural.
     • Examples:
       • “sheep” remains “sheep”
       • “deer” remains “deer”
       • “fish” remains “fish” (though “fishes” can be used to refer to different species)
3. Nouns That Add -en or Change Completely:
   • Some nouns add -en or change in other ways.
     • Examples:
       • “child” becomes “children”
       • “ox” becomes “oxen”
       • “mouse” becomes “mice”
       • “person” becomes “people”

This beginner-level ESL grammar lesson on nouns is perfect for both online and in-person classes, offering diverse content to suit any learning environment. Explore this and many similar grammar lessons for all levels on our page of ESL grammar lessons.

This lesson is available for free download, and you can download many more English grammar lessons focusing on parts of speech just like this in our comprehensive, beginner-level ESL grammar textbook Great, Great Grammar! (Book 1: Parts of Speech).